Wouldn’t it be nice if Google introduced another audio-version of the Chromecast? The Google Chromecast Audio was an inexpensive and decent network player that was even compatible with Roon.
Sadly, the Google Chromecast Audio is no more. Google killed the tiny dongle that made speakers Wi-Fi compatible. Before its cancellation, the device was the most affordable out of Google’s Chromecast lineup and it’s available on eBay for a lot more money than Google ever charged.
We’re not big fans of the Google Home speakers and we know that a lot of people enjoyed using it with vintage audio receivers or with external DACs.
If you’ve ever spent any amount of time reading new FCC filings looking for hints about new products coming soon, you probably need to get out more.
Google has filed a number of recent FCC documents and one that caught our attention was one related to a new Chromecast device.
This new “unnamed” device seems to feature wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity, along with a USB connection for 5V charging — which leads us to believe that Google is going to disappoint us again with a new Chromecast TV model.
Lame.
Why is it so difficult for Google to offer a new Chromecast Audio streamer with an optical output that can handle 16-bit/48.1kHz, gapless playback, and for less than $100?
There’s almost nothing on the market below $179 like the Andover Audio Songbird streamer to compete with it.
With so many consumers signing up with Apple Music with lossless audio, and Spotify HiFi (when it finally launches in Q4) — why is Google so unwilling to satisfy market demand?
The Google Home speakers are not even good. Are college kids using the Sonos One SL? My daughter is taking a pair of my Audioengine 2+ powered speakers with her to school next week and I suspect she’ll get a lot of questions.
Do you know how many of these I could sell at SUNY-Binghamton to kids looking for a simple dorm room solution with some powered loudspeakers? Audioengine and Google would make a killing selling this for under $400.
An opportunity for someone to be sure.
Tony Dyson
August 11, 2021 at 1:57 pm
I bought this Grace Link (https://gracedigital.com/products/grace-link) because it has Chromecast built-in, but it can do much more. It deserves to be better known.
Ian White
August 11, 2021 at 3:46 pm
Tony,
I’m going to check that out. Thank you for the tip.
Ian White
Bengt
August 11, 2021 at 9:42 pm
I totally agree with you!